WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate has confirmed Massachusetts Senator John Kerry as the next Secretary of State.

The vote was 94-3.

Once sworn-in, Kerry will replace Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is stepping down after four years.

The vote came just hours after the Foreign Relations Committee approved his nomination by voice vote.

Kerry has led the committee for the past four years.

The 69-year-old Kerry is a decorated Vietnam veteran and the 2004 Democratic presidential candidate.